upper
upper Lexical Profile
upper Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Situated above another similar part or in a higher physical position.
"She stored the winter blankets on the upper shelf of the closet."
Higher in rank, status, authority, or social standing.
"The proposal is still awaiting final approval from upper management."
Located farther inland, toward the source of a river, or at a higher elevation within a geographic region.
"Expeditions explored the dense forests along the upper Amazon."
Designating a later or more recent division of a geological period or system, represented by rock strata lying above older layers.
"Numerous dinosaur fossils were excavated from Upper Jurassic rock formations."
• noun
The part of a shoe or boot located above the sole and welt.
"These hiking boots feature breathable mesh and durable leather uppers."
A stimulant drug, especially an amphetamine, or an exhilarating experience that elevates a person's mood (informal).
"Receiving the scholarship was a real upper after a stressful semester."
An upper berth in a train, ship, or bunk bed, or an upper tooth or set of dentures.
"The dentist adjusted the fit of his uppers during the appointment."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although formed with the comparative suffix '-er', 'upper' is strictly used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'the upper shelf') and cannot be used with 'than' in comparative constructions.
• Rhymes for upper
Word Origin & Etymology
Recorded in Middle English from the early 13th century, formed from the adverb and adjective 'up' combined with the comparative suffix '-er'.